ALWAYS A GOOD TIME! I recently did the Sunday Funday pub crawl (9/3) that is offered by the Big Red Bus. As always, it was such a great time! Charlie and (I always forget her name) the driver are always so sweet. They make the experience great. I always have a good time! One of the perks is that you can drink while driving from bar to bar. I've rented the bus for a private event before too so don't think it stop at a Sunday Funday! I rented it for my birthday in June and everyone had a great time. I even had my friends and family saying they might rent the bus for their future events. If you're someone who hasn't been on the bus but has been considering it, do it! You won't regret it! read more

We book the full bus to look at Naples Christmas Lights. All my family and friends had a great time and made some lasting memories! read more

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My family was gifted this from a family member years ago so I wanted to surprise my family of 11 and take the on the Christmas light tour. Aaron asked if we could even do a certain time so he can create a new time slot and I made it possible. We did talk about if it rained it would be two clicks to refund me my money. I got an email a few days before our event saying our time was canceled and the company closed indefinitely! So I tried leaving Aaron voicemails and emails and never heard back!! I notified my bank and they are going after them to collect my money! I will never use this company and I'll make sure to warn people before using them if they try to re open again! If you can't fulfill your scheduled times or call people and refund them then you have no right to be in business! read more

I was notified via email that our event scheduled for this Sunday was canceled. I immediately attempted to contact them through phone calls and emails, but there was absolutely no response. When I checked their website, it stated "Cease operations," which was alarming and completely uncommunicated to us beforehand. This is not the first time this organization has canceled on me--this exact situation happened last year as well for my troop. Repeated last-minute cancellations, zero communication, and a complete lack of accountability are unacceptable, especially when working with youth groups and families who plan weeks or months in advance. I would strongly caution anyone considering booking with this organization. Based on our experience, they are unreliable and unprofessional. read more

Prior to the last two years, my rating would have been a gazillion stars. I've had the same issue as a couple of other users have ( although the ones who haven't had the same issue in the same timeline, I'm now wondering why not ). Bought tickets on Groupon, last year and this year. All good, getting email and text notifications about where to meet, where to park, where to check in, etc. Then the company canceled at the last minute. Last year, it was due to a defective trolley supposedly. This year, the reason for last-minute cancellation is that the company has ceased operations. Ceased. Operations. They mentioned this in a very short line above the final email notice about being excited to see us this evening, here's where to park, here's where to meet, etc. Had I not noticed that particular short sentence at the top , we would have continued on to meet the trolley on 2nd street, and ended up with our... Santa hats... in our hands. Calls and emails to the Big Red Bus are not returned. I tried to take this up with groupon, who informed me that the merchant made these tickets non-refundable. Adorable. BUYER BEWARE. read more

Big Red Bus cancelled our tour the morning of the event without any notice. Unacceptable and very unprofessional.

Bought Groupons for my daughter and I about 2 weeks out. Everything was fine. Went to their website and booked. Great. Excited. Received a few reminder emails and texts from them reminding us to arrive early, where to park,etc only to receive a text and email about 2 hours before our reservations to tell us that our reservations have been cancelled and that they have ceased all operations indefinitely. 2 hours before our reservations. Groupon will not refund me the cost because technically the payment is no longer with them(Groupon) and was turned over to Big Red Bus when I entered the voucher info in order to reserve. BS but I get it. Will have to take this up with my bank. Sucks read more

Always have the best time! Great locations, good food, and excellent staff! Can't wait for the next time! read more

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It wasnt something I ever thought about doing...it was a gift, and we had a really good time!! The Bus was old ....holes in the seats..but it didn't matter. Our driver and Conductor were GREAT. read more

It was 89 degrees in Washington DC and the bus had no air conditioning or windows open. I'm surprised that no one died of heat stroke. I have not been able to get anyone in customer service to contact me. Customers should check this situation before they buy tickets because then it's too late. read more

Very easy to work with! I've planned/organized two events with this company. Everything went smoothly and everyone had a great time! read more

One thing I've learned over these last 2 years is the importance of community and supporting small businesses. It's taught me how valuable our local businesses are and how some are not only well known in our city, but are also an integral part of what makes Long Beach special. These businesses have helped bring a small town feel in a big city. Big Red Bus has served that role in our community, my neighborhood and special events in my life. When my sister in law chose a Long Beach location for her wedding in 2009 and needed transportation from the hotel to the venue and back for wedding guests, she asked my husband for suggestions and he immediately suggested Big Red Bus. She could have hired shuttle vans but, chose the double decker bus and the transportation became one of the most memorable parts of her wedding. I'm 2019, we wanted to do something different for my daughter's birthday. She was young and was still building friendships in school. So, her party would include a lot of family which meant entertaining both kids and adults. We hired the Big Red Bus & it was perfect. They picked us up at our house, drove us down the coast to Huntington Beach and back. It was a beautiful day in May. The kids loved the excitement of being on the double decker bus. They played a playlist of music perfect for the occasion. The adults enjoyed the views and being able to relax for the drive with a cold adult drink in hand. Both kids and adults couldn't stop talking about what a fun adventure it was. The pricing worked out and was comparable to the expenses that come with a party at a loud, crowded kids play place or the costs that add up having a party at home. When you have a mix of adults and kids, it can be harder to feed and entertain everyone and I think the guests appreciated the change of pace. Hiring Big Red Bus for both of these events was inspired by years of them being an important part of our neighborhood's annual toys for tots event. Every December, for as long as I've lived here, our neighborhood gets together with the fire department to collect toys for Tots for Tots. Neighbors gather together and fill bins with new toys for kids. We are able to connect with each other and help strengthen our community. Big Red Bus comes in with their Trolley (and previously the double decker bus) and drives us through our neighborhood to look at the houses decorated with lights. It's a special event that we look forward to every December. It brings neighbors together, helps kids (and adults) meet new friends and gives us the opportunity to help the very important, Toys for Tots charity. Big Red Bus is a important part of that. So, if you've managed to read this very long review, I hope it encourages you to support this amazing company. Especially if you are a local resident. A business that has been a local, small business for this long and who is a part of our community history, is a business you should support and that you can trust. I believe one of the owners used to live down my street long ago. You can trust that they'll want to give you the best experience and that they know Long Beach and local areas in and out. Plus, they're awesome hosts! read more

Big Red Bus - BigRedBus - Tours Near Me

Fourth year on the holiday lights trolley. It's a lot of fun. Bought tickets through Groupon. Company is well run. They are responsive and its well organized. Tour takes you through Naples Island and Belmont Shores. You see beautiful decorated homes. Pete will explain the history and tell you funny holiday jokes. Highly recommended. We'll be back next year. read more

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So I've been on the bus about a handful of times with friends and my cousins and I can definitely say its always a blast and full of laughs each time. Staff is always friendly and funny and the appetizers at the bars are great and filling. What better way to spend a Sunday day drinkin with the friends and have some fun crawlin around Long Beach read more

Wow. These guys cancelled on a preschool Christmas event the morning of the event. 50 parents and kids lost out on their Christmas party because these guys couldn't keep their word. The school booked the bus for an evening trip, they claimed it was going to rain that day so they weren't going to run the bus. They ran it for the pub crawl all day and it didn't rain at all the entire day. I will never support this business in my life. Low. Super low. read more

Had a blast riding the bus, bar hopping and hanging out with friends definitely would do it again.

We had our event the evening of August 12, The staff were super friendly up until they decided 20% tip was not enough. One of them followed us into the street to tell us the tip was not enough. We were confused and ended up giving more money than we planned to. Not the main issue but definitely something to note. I left a box with goody bags and a duffel bag under the impression and reassurance of an employee that I could do so and would be able to pick up my items the very next day. It's been more than a month and all I got was "never found the duffel bag". I actually gathered both the box and the duffel bag together at the lower level on the bench on the left hand side. I even remember telling one of the employees that they could have the leftover alcohol. Since I had left my car overnight, I knew I would be around to pick up the items. I called multiple times the day after my event around 11am and was on-site just like one of the employees said to pick up my items. After I got no answer, I looked on your website to see if there was anything that would help. There isn't any information on where to pick up items on your website. I had to reach out to the friend that booked with you guys to see if they had a better contact but they didn't. What's frustrating is that no one ever picked up when I called. I had to leave multiple voicemails for Aaron to get back to me and I haven't even gotten an apology for not knowing where my personal items are. I do want to be reimbursed for (1) the inconvenience, (2) having to drive to Long Beach to pick up the box and (3) the items I have lost. I'm almost positive the items would not have been lost if there was a better way for customers to get their items back. I understand that you may view it as a convenience to your customers and don't feel you are liable; however, We had never had an issue like this before and definitely did not expect it to happen now. There was never an intention to make it an inconvenience to you or your company. Please advise if we can come to an agreement. read more

Had such a great time. The hostesses were so awesome. Even dressed in theme. And accommodated our rowdy bunch! Had fun in each stop, and just a wonderful experience! read more

So fun! I had never seen or heard of this until I found it on Groupon. I highly recommend it. There were people there for a birthday party, people with their families, and people just hanging out with their friends. I sat on the top of the bus so with the wind while driving it can get a little cold so bring a light sweater if you get cold easily. You're allowed to bring beers on the bus for in between the bars. read more

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I booked this for my birthday and it was so much fun! The pricing is extremely reasonable. Our host was super cool and just wanted everyone to have a good time. The other people on the bus were also celebrating a birthday so we had a lot of fun with that! It was my first time ever doing it and I can honestly say I can't wait to do it again! :D read more

Thanks to the friendly, attentive, and highly organized staff and the fun fellow riders, we've done five different tours. We've done the... Big Red Bus Sunday Funday (a great Father's Day) the Big Red Bus Oktoberfest (one of our best excursion days ever) a private birthday charter (as a guest- thanks Jennifer Garcia Cole!) and even the Long Beach Trolley for Christmas (aka birthday charter- thanks Jesus) the Big Red Bus brewery tour, (in a school bus- my first time in a LONG school bus) read more

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My husband made reservations for us on 12/21 for the New Years Eve bus. We have been thinking about moving to Long Beach next year and we were so excited to spend NYE on the bus. We made hotel reservations because we obviously didn't want to make a long drive home after drinking. Why the 1 star review? Becausw it's 7pm the night before our bus and I'm packing up for our hotel stay and my husband gets a call to tell us that our bus is cancelled! The guy says "I'm really sorry, you'll get a full refund for the bus" but that's not much consolation when we have a hotel booked at inflated holiday pricing that we can't cancel because we weren't even given 24 hour notice. I think it's pretty ridiculous that there is a $5 rebooking fee if you cancel within 5 days of your date, but they can cancel on you the night before at 7pm. read more

Big Red Bus - $5 rebooking charge if you cancel without 5 days notice, but they can cancel at 7pm the night before! HORRIBLE! - Tours Near Me

Plan on doing it every year!! It was so much fun and good for Christmas cheer and memories with family.

I wouldn't normally write a bad review but my level of disappointment with this company calls for it. Me and my husband had been looking forward to taking our 14 month old baby girl on this tour since last year but since we felt she was too small to enjoy we waited to purchase our tickets this year. Like any other person I purchased our tickets online and got our confirmation email... fast forward to the night before our reservation I emailed them to the email that I found on the website to see if there was any chance to reschedule because I was suffering from food poisoning, a situation that I couldn't have foreseen and there was no way my stomach would cooperate to force myself to get up and go. Anyways I emailed just to see if there was a slightest chance they would consider the rescheduling but they never responded but they did send me an email saying they received my message (see pictures). Before emailing I did try calling but it wasn't within working hours so yeah that's why I emailed then the next day (day of my reservation) I kept calling and calling since morning and same thing no answer not within working hours but the message said to text the number if it was an urgent matter or something like that so then I did I texted them and no response whatsoever. Still until today I have not received any type of response from them and I don't expect them to. I completely understand if maybe they have a policy in place for no rescheduling under any circumstances it's their company they can make their own rules I get that not a problem but to not bother responding and just straight out ignoring a paying customer is just plain rude and unprofessional. You had already charged my card you had your money ($63) you could have at least replied and said no we can't reschedule and that would have been the end of it. Now that I'm writing this I went over the the website and the message reminders they sent and I couldn't find anything about their rescheduling policy just a no cancellations or refunds and that's the sad part I didn't want to do either we actually really wanted to experience the tour and just reschedule. Happy holidays! read more

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We booked the big red bus waterfront light tour for a Christmas event for our preschool. All the kids and families had been looking forward to it all month. On the morning of the event, we were told our bus was cancelled due to rain even though there was no scheduled rain in the forecast that evening during our scheduled time slot. The parents and teachers were willing to ride rain or shine but the owner refused to honor the commitment for the evening to drive the bus. We begged him to please wait a few more hours in the day to make the call to cancel to see how the weather forecast would turn out for the evening but he refused. Again, there was no scheduled rain during our time slot so it was beyond disappointing to be being told our Christmas event was cancelled. As the evening progressed, exactly as forecasted, there was no rain during our time slot. There had been a few sprinkles earlier in the afternoon and the owner took out another Sunday funday bus DURING THE RAIN and didn't cancel their event. It was incredibly sad to have disappointed an entire school of little preschool kids who were looking forward to this all month and had outfits picked out and made Christmas bells at school ready to ring on the bus. Our school Christmas event was ruined and there was no rain during our scheduled time slot. Such a huge disappointment and many unnecessary tears. We have been riding your holiday bus for years and have brought many friends and groups on the bus. We will never patronize your business again after how we were treated. What a disgraceful way to run a business. Merry Christmas Mr. Scrooge. read more

We booked this bus to take several families from our kids' school on a fun cruise of the Christmas Lights. Aaron made booking multiple families a breeze and James, our driver made boarding a bunch of kids and parents so easy. The tour was fun -- complete with a few stops so that the live musician on board could lead our group in Christmas Carols -- the lights were festive, and the bus was very clean. I would recommend this as a family outing but also look forward to booking the bus for a kid-free adventure soon. Most importantly, the booking process is simple, fair and communicative. read more

Thank you very much for everything. We had a great time yesterday for my wife's birthday. Your staff was awesome and accommodating to all of our needs. We thank you!! read more

You just can't beat this adventure! This was our second outing with Big Red bus and the double-decker in December is chillingly crisp and seasonal. Our church staff, board and elders think it's the highlight of the month. Everyone bundles up and gets into the lights, songs and waves along the route through Naples. This is especially amazing for folks who've never experienced a California Christmas and may think we miss the snow so common elsewhere. The out-of-towners are always pleasantly surprised that we have the BEST coast with the most! read more

Big Red Bus - View across the bay. - Tours Near Me

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Although we had a great time on the big red bus, I was disappointed for the following reasons: 1. Charlie gave us safety instructions before we departed which was expected. He told us that we couldn't get up when it's green light but could get up when it's red. I was sitting 3 rows from where he was standing when he gave instructions. I specifically checked the light each time I got up to "dance" at my seat. At the second stop, he tells me that I was towing the line and that he'll put me downstairs. He didn't say we couldn't dance. He said we could get up. I thought maybe I didn't hear that part of his instructions so I checked with the others and they said he never said that. His tone was rude and reprimanding. 2. The bus did not have a first aid kit. I had a cut and needed a band aid. 3. Charlie came after us for his tip. He didn't think it was enough and wanted more. His service and attitude did not warrant more tip. I think that was rude. read more

Cindy & Harold are THEE BEST! They were so hospitable and even 2 hours after they left, I noticed that my Apple Watch was missing and I was able to track it down with them! Sure enough, it was with lost in the bus and they quickly helped me recover it! They are such awesome people! read more

This is for the 2016 route. Admittedly, this is completely underwhelming in almost every way possible. If you purchase a ticket to this experience, it's for two reasons (1) ride on a bus and (2) to see more Christmas lights than I could while walking because that's why I bought a bus ticket. First of all, a majority of the route is spent on back roads in which there are few to no decorated houses. I mean, we pass by the Mattress store at least twice! The only lights we saw were the floating trees for 1 min and then passed by the Naples area bridges for 1 min each as well.... and that's literally it. It was such a bad ride that I asked my husband to drive me to Naples afterwards to walk around and see the lights up close and FOR FREE. Do you know how many people laugh at you while you ride this thing? You know why? It's because they know you can walk to see closes UP CLOSE and for FREE and with festive music and better crowds than this bus. If you paid full price, I feel extra sorry for you. Our driver did not narrate any part of it and there is supposedly a host guy but he never came to the front of the bus. Also, if you sit on the left side of the bus (the driver's left), you don't even get to see the few lighted houses that the right hand side of the bus gets to see. Also, our driver smelled heavily of alcohol and cigarettes. That doesn't reassure me when I see that we are riding in an open sided bus with children. The only great thing about this is the extreme level of preparation. It was very clear with the number of emails and texts where to go and what to wear. Another disappointing thing is the fact that two girls that check you in are not aligned with each other. They were not clear on where the start of the line is so families were standing every which way. read more

We had the BEST time in Downtown Long Beach on the Big Red Bus. Fun idea with great energy & lots of laughs. My cousin chartered this bus for a fundraiser towards her upcoming Avon Breast Cancer Walk in September. They allowed us to bring alcohol & play music as they took us to a few Irish pubs. A shutout to our friendly bus host who nicely waited for me & my hubby who got there late! Due to our car breaking down & heavy traffic from the San Fernando Valley. So worth the effort & drive out to support my cousin & this fun experience! Thanks again to you & my cousins for graciously waiting. We can't wait to ride on the Big Red Bus again-- A good time indeed!! read more

Big Red Bus - Tours Near Me

Just got home from my 3rd Sunday Funday Pub Crawl. Celebrated mine and another friend's birthday. Had a group of 12 go this time. The. Best. Time!! Great music! Tyson (sp) was our Kilted host as was Aaron (sp) our driver. Drink deals and pub carbs (think fries, hot dips, quesadillas, loaded steak fries, fresh potato chips and onion rings) included at each of three awesome mostly coastal pubs visited during each crawl. Time to order, drink, sit, eat and use restroom at each stop. Lots of laughing, dancing and chit chatting in the bus driving to each stop. Ready to sit upstairs for our next crawl. Be sure to have a hat if you sit upstairs. Definitely recommend. read more

Big Red Bus - A group photo at Auld Dubliner, stop number three on the Sunday Funday Pub Crawl out of Long Beach!! - Tours Near Me

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Talk about great customer service, and a super fun experience, these BRB folks have it down to a raucous science. Last weekend was the occasion of Laura R's surprise birthday party, and her hubs chose this as the vehicle (literally) to party heaven. The bus pulled into the agreed meeting spot right on time (12:45), and we were soon off after some brief do's and don'ts. I believe our "conductor's" name was Mike, and his instructions were imparted in a non-lecturing manner, with some humor as well. At my age, I get pissed when I am spoken to like a child. Well, I probably do deserve it sometimes, but we hadn't even started drinking yet. So that was cool of this way cool cat. The bus was advertised to take us on a 3 hour cruise of 3 different bars, but we were out for another 1/2 hour or so. One of the questions Mike asked, did we want to head south to OC or north to Long Beach? Luckily The LBC was the chosen route. On this beautiful November 9th Saturday, we cruised through Belmont Shore, and headed to DTLB via Ocean Ave. From our vantage point atop the double decker bus, the views were awesome. And this is from someone who has made this trip a zillion times in private autos. No comparison to cruising in this party bus enjoying the views, awesome hilarious company, and sipping the beverages of your choice. Too effing fun. We hit 3 Irish Pubs in between cruising The LBC before the ride back to our meeting spot. The bus ride was definitely the highlight over any of the 3 pubs, although Mike called ahead to each one, and the bartenders were at the ready to give us immediate service. What did I tell you about these guys, and their CS skills? The ride back after everyone had been sufficiently lubed was extremely entertaining with some, ahem, skillful pole dancing. Good times indeed. Thanks Nino for putting this awesome trip together, and again happy birthday Laura! Oh, check their website for their open to the public cruises, like Sunday Funday, and a St Patrick's Day pub crawl. read more

Big Red Bus - Happy Birthday Laura! - Tours Near Me

While I have never been on these busses I do believe I'm entitled to a review. The reason is that I live on their route and have worked in restaurants they have brought their customers to visit. I love this service for several reasons. First some not great views. You should know that when you enter a place to drink you basically have a target on your back. You're going to get steered to the specials which makes the owners a lot of money. The servers know you're probably over served by the previous places and know you want to drink more. So they're going to butter you up for a big tip. Know that they will probably secretly resent you because people in the past have returned to the bus without paying for their drink and if you're loud you're probably bothering the regulars. While there jury is out on public nuisance vs. waving all friendly in a awe-shucks folksy neighborly way, it does do us a good service. Gives us a good idea who will be joining a future Anonymous meeting. Just kidding! I haven't gone, not because I assume everyone is going to be obnoxiously loud. I actually see that most people are pretty tame when they ride around on this bus. But there always seems to be that one or two riders that needs to take it to the next level. It looks really fun. If you have a sober day I'd love to go. I'm happy this bus is in our city. It keeps drunk drivers from being behind the wheel of an automobile. And that is a great public service. read more

Eventhough I was on a big red bus, it felt like smooth sailing ll the way. I've ridden on big red bus tours before. I've always enjoyed their novelty. My latest tour was as a guest of Hazel Q's Bougie Wine Tour. The Big Red Bus was our drivers for the day. We were so well tended to. We had nothing to worry about. They welcomed all the drinks and food many of us brought along. No need for smuggling contraband. They were well prepared for activities of such by providing us places to throw away our trash. Our drive was smooth, punctual but never rushed. What a way to see the city of Long Beach and Seal Beach --- by open rooftop. YOu get such a nice vantage of the street below. Our kilted hosts, Todd and Tyson, took care of us. I would definetly use this service if you are planning a party. p.s. smokers unite -- smoking allowed on the roof of the bus. read more

Big Red Bus - Tours Near Me

If you're having a birthday party or special event, renting a Big Red Bus is definitely a fun way to go! You can bring all your own food and drink, and then the staff arrange stops at different bars throughout Long Beach. It's so much fun!! read more

Big Red Bus - Party bus! - Tours Near Me

Celebrated my friend's bday last Saturday and we had a great time. The bus was fun and stops worked out well. We were well organized and taken care of by Burger, our conductor who made sure things ran smoothly, even if it meant serving us a drink. Thanks, we had a good time! read more

Big Red Bus - Thanks Burger for a being a good sport! - Tours Near Me

Took the pub crawl tour bus ride a few weeks ago & had a blast!!! We sat on the 2nd story of the bus so we could enjoy the breeze while working on our tans. LOL The driver and tour guide were super cool & laid back. You can BYOB (cans & plastic) as long as your cooler fits in your lap. The tour guide even brought extra beer for those who ran out or didn't bring their own. As you can probably imagine, everybody was drinking, talking, laughing, & having a good old time for the duration of the 3-hour tour. You meet up @ the Tilted Kilt where you can enjoy happy hour deals before the bus hits the road. During the tour the bus stops @ 3 Irish pubs in the Long Beach/Belmont Shore area. They have drink specials & a small selection of "appetizers" at each stop. The bars should consider serving real appetizers since everybody was so drunk. Most of us were in dire need of something fried, fatty, & full of carbs to soak up some of the liquor. Wheee! :-D Overall, we had a blast! You get your drink on without having to drive; enjoy the fresh air while simultaneously working on your tan; make new friends; and don't have to go too far from home. I would definitely recommend the Big Red Bus for anybody who loves a good time! read more

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I'll admit at first I was skeptical but shortly after getting on the bus my mind was instantly changed. We were able to bring drinks on the bus, had food waiting for us at every stop, and never once felt rushed or confused by what was going on. Tyson was absolutely amazing and made sure we had fun, playing music and introducing us to red light dancing games ;) . The bars had drink specials, games, live music, and plenty of things to keep our (rather large) group entertained. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to adventure with friends along the beachside or share drinks with new ones. Thank you again Tyson for making our experience so amazing! read more

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